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Washington DC to New Orleans train

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Washington DC - New Orleans Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There is usually just one train option from Washington DC to New Orleans per day. The average train journey from Washington DC to New Orleans takes 27 hours and 32 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.

Distance965 mi (1553 km)
Fastest train27h 32m
Lowest price$155.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Crescent
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Washington to New Orleans

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Allan

July 18, 2019- Couples trip

Amtrak Crescent

Pros: Good seats, plenty of legroom. Clean bathrooms. Cons: Our trip was over 3 hours late arriving with no communication from staff. Staff were generally rude and abrupt -not all, but on several occasions. Passengers drinking alcohol on the train escalated to abuse of other passengers and physical assault on 2 staff members witnessed by many passengers including children. This incident was very poorly handled by staff -perhaps increased training required. And perhaps banning alcohol? this is a public safety issue. Tips: Consider if you are comfortable with the possibliity of drunk passengers being noisy, rude and possibly threatening in the carriage. Take snacks as the cafe car was frequently closed.

What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to New Orleans?

Over the past month, a train ticket between Washington and New Orleans cost $167.09, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 23 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $133.78 more.

Average prices by travel date

$315$210$105SepSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to New Orleans will cost between $155 and $305. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly average prices

$250$200$150$100$50ONDJFMAMJJAS
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to New Orleans often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $154. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to New Orleans during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $235 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$325$260$195$130$653020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Washington to New Orleans, book online with Wanderu at least 23 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $133.78 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Washington DC to New Orleans?

Amtrak Crescent is the one and only train line which connects Washington to New Orleans. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Crescent11d 3h 32m$192.87

  • The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Washington to New Orleans take about 27 hours and 32 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $154.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Washington DC and New Orleans is approximately 965 miles, or 1553 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 27 hours and 32 minutes,

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Trains from Washington DC to New Orleans are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 6:00pm and arrives in New Orleans around 27 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to New Orleans with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from New Orleans to Washington DC.

City Information

Washington DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.

New Orleans

New Orleans, LA - NOL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

New Orleans, LA - NOL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

New Orleans, LA - NOL-2

Image credit: Unsplash

New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.

There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.

New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

All train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

Where is the train station in New Orleans?

Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave - NOLAMT-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.

All train stations in New Orleans:

  • Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

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